ohoro GIN Standard Wins Gold Outstanding Medal (98 Points) at IWSC 2026
Niseko Distillery's craft gin 'ohoro GIN Standard' has won the Gold Outstanding medal (98 points) in the Classic Gin Category at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026. Two limited editions also received Bronze medals, marking international recognition for the entire ohoro GIN series.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 15, 2026 at 20:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 15, 2026 at 11:36
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 16, 2026 at 00:50 (13h 13m after Collected)
High Acclaim at World-Renowned Spirits Competition – Two Limited Editions Also Honored
Niseko Distillery Co., Ltd. (Niseko Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido; President and CEO: Jiro Nogumo, hereinafter 'Niseko Distillery') is pleased to announce that its 'ohoro GIN Standard' has been awarded the Gold Outstanding medal (98 points) in the Classic Gin Category at the globally prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026.
Additionally, 'ohoro GIN Standard' received a Silver Medal in the 'Gin & Tonic Awards,' which evaluates gins specifically for their performance in a gin and tonic. Furthermore, 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender' earned a Bronze Medal in the Contemporary Gin Category, and 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Japanese Peppermint' received a Bronze Medal in the Flavoured Gin Category, securing international acclaim for the entire ohoro GIN series.
IWSC 2026 Award Results
【Classic Gin Category】
・ohoro GIN Standard: Gold Outstanding Medal (98 points)
・Gin & Tonic Awards: Silver Medal
【Contemporary Gin Category】
・ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender: Bronze Medal (89 points)
【Flavoured Gin Category】
・ohoro GIN Limited Edition Japanese Peppermint: Bronze Medal (86 points)
'ohoro GIN Standard' Achieves Exceptional 98-Point Score
'ohoro GIN Standard' is a craft gin produced using spring water from Mount Annupuri and botanicals including Hokkaido-grown Japanese peppermint.
Characterized by a refreshing aroma and delicate flavor reminiscent of Hokkaido's rich natural environment, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with soda, or in a classic gin and tonic.
The Gold Outstanding medal is IWSC's highest honor, requiring a total score of 98 points or above—exceeding the standard Gold medal threshold of 95 points. At IWSC 2026, 'ohoro GIN Standard' achieved a remarkable 98 points, the highest score ever awarded to a Japanese gin, while also earning a Silver Medal in the Gin & Tonic Awards, highlighting its exceptional quality and balance.
'ohoro GIN' – Crafted by the Nature of Niseko, Hokkaido
'Ohoro' is an Ainu word meaning 'to continue.' The name reflects the distillery's hope that this gin, born in Niseko, will be cherished by many and continue into the future. The award-winning 'ohoro GIN' series emphasizes local ingredients, using pristine groundwater from Mount Annupuri and Hokkaido-sourced botanicals such as Yachiyana-gi (willow), Japanese peppermint, and lavender. Each gin is crafted to achieve a clear, balanced profile, with careful attention to highlighting the unique character of each botanical.
About the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
Established in 1969, the IWSC is one of the world's most respected spirits competitions. Entries from around the globe are evaluated through blind tastings conducted by industry-leading experts, ensuring rigorous and impartial quality assessment.
IWSC awards are highly trusted by producers, distributors, and consumers worldwide and serve as a key benchmark in the global spirits industry.
Product Overview
ohoro GIN Standard (Ohoro Gin Standard)
Crafted using high-quality soft spring water from Mount Annupuri and botanicals including Yachiyana-gi and Japanese peppermint grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido. The gin delivers a clean, smooth profile with a firm, well-structured body and a bright citrus aroma, making it ideal as a base for cocktails such as gin and tonic or martini.
Category: Spirits
Raw Materials: Fermented alcohol (domestically produced)
Botanicals: Yachiyana-gi (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), Japanese peppermint (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice, chamomile, lemon, orange, yuzu, lime, grapefruit
Alcohol Content: 47%
Volume: 700ml
Suggested Retail Price: ¥4,950 (tax included) ※Packaging box: ¥242 (tax included)
ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender (Ohoro Gin Lavender)
A limited-edition release featuring lavender—the official flower of Niseko Town—as the key botanical. Made with an abundant amount of freshly harvested, locally grown lavender, it captures a pleasant, floral fragrance from the fresh blossoms.
Category: Spirits
Raw Materials: Fermented alcohol (domestically produced)
Botanicals: Lavender (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice, chamomile, lemon, orange, yuzu, lime, grapefruit
Alcohol Content: 47%
Volume: 700ml
Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (tax included) ※Packaging box: ¥242 (tax included)
ohoro GIN Limited Edition Japanese Peppermint (Ohoro Gin Japanese Peppermint)
A limited-edition gin with Japanese peppermint grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido, as the key botanical. This gin offers a refreshing, cooling flavor characteristic of mint, perfect for enjoying neat or in cocktails. It is also recommended as a base for citrus-forward cocktails.
Category: Spirits
Raw Materials: Fermented alcohol (domestically produced)
Botanicals: Japanese peppermint (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice, chamomile, lemon, orange, yuzu, lime, grapefruit
Alcohol Content: 47%
Volume: 700ml
Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (tax included) ※Packaging box: ¥242 (tax included)
About Niseko Distillery
Located in Niseko Town, a world-famous ski resort surrounded by Niseko-Annupuri National Park and Yotei-zan National Park, Niseko Distillery began production in 2021.
Benefiting from the high-quality soft water unique to this heavy snowfall region and a climate that avoids extreme cold, the distillery crafts refined, delicate, and well-balanced whiskies, alongside its craft gin series 'ohoro GIN'.
Niseko Distillery Co., Ltd. (Niseko Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido; President and CEO: Jiro Nogumo, hereinafter 'Niseko Distillery') is pleased to announce that its 'ohoro GIN Standard' has been awarded the Gold Outstanding medal (98 points) in the Classic Gin Category at the globally prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2026.
Additionally, 'ohoro GIN Standard' received a Silver Medal in the 'Gin & Tonic Awards,' which evaluates gins specifically for their performance in a gin and tonic. Furthermore, 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender' earned a Bronze Medal in the Contemporary Gin Category, and 'ohoro GIN Limited Edition Japanese Peppermint' received a Bronze Medal in the Flavoured Gin Category, securing international acclaim for the entire ohoro GIN series.
IWSC 2026 Award Results
【Classic Gin Category】
・ohoro GIN Standard: Gold Outstanding Medal (98 points)
・Gin & Tonic Awards: Silver Medal
【Contemporary Gin Category】
・ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender: Bronze Medal (89 points)
【Flavoured Gin Category】
・ohoro GIN Limited Edition Japanese Peppermint: Bronze Medal (86 points)
'ohoro GIN Standard' Achieves Exceptional 98-Point Score
'ohoro GIN Standard' is a craft gin produced using spring water from Mount Annupuri and botanicals including Hokkaido-grown Japanese peppermint.
Characterized by a refreshing aroma and delicate flavor reminiscent of Hokkaido's rich natural environment, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with soda, or in a classic gin and tonic.
The Gold Outstanding medal is IWSC's highest honor, requiring a total score of 98 points or above—exceeding the standard Gold medal threshold of 95 points. At IWSC 2026, 'ohoro GIN Standard' achieved a remarkable 98 points, the highest score ever awarded to a Japanese gin, while also earning a Silver Medal in the Gin & Tonic Awards, highlighting its exceptional quality and balance.
'ohoro GIN' – Crafted by the Nature of Niseko, Hokkaido
'Ohoro' is an Ainu word meaning 'to continue.' The name reflects the distillery's hope that this gin, born in Niseko, will be cherished by many and continue into the future. The award-winning 'ohoro GIN' series emphasizes local ingredients, using pristine groundwater from Mount Annupuri and Hokkaido-sourced botanicals such as Yachiyana-gi (willow), Japanese peppermint, and lavender. Each gin is crafted to achieve a clear, balanced profile, with careful attention to highlighting the unique character of each botanical.
About the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
Established in 1969, the IWSC is one of the world's most respected spirits competitions. Entries from around the globe are evaluated through blind tastings conducted by industry-leading experts, ensuring rigorous and impartial quality assessment.
IWSC awards are highly trusted by producers, distributors, and consumers worldwide and serve as a key benchmark in the global spirits industry.
Product Overview
ohoro GIN Standard (Ohoro Gin Standard)
Crafted using high-quality soft spring water from Mount Annupuri and botanicals including Yachiyana-gi and Japanese peppermint grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido. The gin delivers a clean, smooth profile with a firm, well-structured body and a bright citrus aroma, making it ideal as a base for cocktails such as gin and tonic or martini.
Category: Spirits
Raw Materials: Fermented alcohol (domestically produced)
Botanicals: Yachiyana-gi (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), Japanese peppermint (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice, chamomile, lemon, orange, yuzu, lime, grapefruit
Alcohol Content: 47%
Volume: 700ml
Suggested Retail Price: ¥4,950 (tax included) ※Packaging box: ¥242 (tax included)
ohoro GIN Limited Edition Lavender (Ohoro Gin Lavender)
A limited-edition release featuring lavender—the official flower of Niseko Town—as the key botanical. Made with an abundant amount of freshly harvested, locally grown lavender, it captures a pleasant, floral fragrance from the fresh blossoms.
Category: Spirits
Raw Materials: Fermented alcohol (domestically produced)
Botanicals: Lavender (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice, chamomile, lemon, orange, yuzu, lime, grapefruit
Alcohol Content: 47%
Volume: 700ml
Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (tax included) ※Packaging box: ¥242 (tax included)
ohoro GIN Limited Edition Japanese Peppermint (Ohoro Gin Japanese Peppermint)
A limited-edition gin with Japanese peppermint grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido, as the key botanical. This gin offers a refreshing, cooling flavor characteristic of mint, perfect for enjoying neat or in cocktails. It is also recommended as a base for citrus-forward cocktails.
Category: Spirits
Raw Materials: Fermented alcohol (domestically produced)
Botanicals: Japanese peppermint (grown in Niseko Town, Hokkaido), juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, licorice, chamomile, lemon, orange, yuzu, lime, grapefruit
Alcohol Content: 47%
Volume: 700ml
Suggested Retail Price: ¥5,500 (tax included) ※Packaging box: ¥242 (tax included)
About Niseko Distillery
Located in Niseko Town, a world-famous ski resort surrounded by Niseko-Annupuri National Park and Yotei-zan National Park, Niseko Distillery began production in 2021.
Benefiting from the high-quality soft water unique to this heavy snowfall region and a climate that avoids extreme cold, the distillery crafts refined, delicate, and well-balanced whiskies, alongside its craft gin series 'ohoro GIN'.
FAQ
Where is ohoro GIN Standard produced?
It is produced at Niseko Distillery in Niseko Town, Hokkaido.
What makes ohoro GIN unique?
It uses pristine spring water from Annupuri and Hokkaido-sourced botanicals like Japanese peppermint and lavender.
Which award did ohoro GIN win at IWSC 2026?
ohoro GIN Standard won the Gold Outstanding medal with 98 points in the Classic Gin category.